Vista And Escondido Receive State Grants To Combat Gangs

State grants of $382,639 each were awarded to the cities of Vista and Escondido to combat gang violence, it was announced today.

The funds are part of a $9.2 million distribution to 24 cities across the state as part of the California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention program.

"My highest priority is the safety of Californians, and these grants will help reduce gang violence, improve public safety and assist anti-gang efforts in many of our communities," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said.

The grants will provide law enforcement with "greater resources to fight and prevent gang activity," he said.

The recipients were selected based on the number of gang-related homicides and other crimes, demographics and practices regarding the use of evidence.